Get Ready to Ski Canaan Valley Resort Jan. 6, 2016

Friday, January 1, 2016 - 04:30Updated 3 years ago

DAVIS, W. Va. Canaan Valley Resort will reopen its ski area Jan. 6, 2016. “The predicted return of seasonal temperatures and snow to the valley is welcomed,” said Steve Drumheller, general manager. Expected to open are seven slopes and trails from the top as well as Critters Crawl, a dedicated beginner instruction trail serviced by its own magic carpet.

An additional two trails will open in time for the Martin Luther King holiday Jan. 16-18. The ice skating rink and tubing park will also be open during the popular holiday, which many skiers turn into a long weekend of outdoor fun.

Other facility opening dates include The Ice Skating Rink at Canaan Valley State Park Jan. 7 and the tubing park Jan. 14 or sooner, dependent upon weather.

Weather reports call for a return of temperatures cold enough for the resort to start up its snow guns beginning Thursday, Dec. 31, and natural snowfall is predicted to begin Friday, Jan. 1.

The resort will close the back nine of its 18-hole championship golf course Dec. 30. The course was temporarily reopened over the Christmas holiday. The resort’s sporting clay shooting range will remain open through Jan. 3, weather permitting. “Winter is arriving. Tucker County is ready to host people wanting to ski, tube, ice skate and to enjoy the area” Drumheller said.

Canaan Valley Resort ski area typically has an average annual snowfall of more than 180 inches. Canaan Valley features 47 trails and slopes with 20 percent beginner runs, 26 percent intermediate and 44 percent for advanced and expert skiers. New this year is glade skiing.

The 15-mile-long Canaan Valley is the highest mountain valley east of the Rocky Mountains and has a summit elevation of 4,280 feet above sea level. The resort features 91 skiable acres, three lifts, lighted night skiing on weekends and holidays, a terrain park, ski school and equipment rentals.

The resort is also home to the longest tubing park in the Mid-Atlantic region as well as a covered outdoor ice skating rink. Cross country skiing is also available.

Canaan Valley Resort is located in north central West Virginia approximately three hours from Pittsburgh, 2½ hours from Washington, D.C. and 2¾ hours from Charleston, W.Va.